Given the current political situation around the globe, I got thinking about this little outburst from Zukan the other day. It makes for very interesting reading.

Insofar as we on Betafarl have always sought to protect ourselves and our borders, there are some here who would not be unjustified in regarding us as aggressors, but if it is aggression to protect oneself by ensuring that the others remain weak, then we have been aggressors.

But no more, because now we face a true aggressor. The Federation does not seek merely to defend itself but to subjugate all peoples to its will, and Betafarl is no more able to stand alone against the Federation than any of you. So if we cannot be friends, for the sake of all our peoples let us be allies as from this day.

First of all, you will note that Zukan (and, by implication, Betafarl) does not have much respect for the rights of other regions. He actually believes it is right to subjugate his neighbours (keeping them weak) in order to protect his region. More than a few shades of what we might call 'pre-emption' there.

However, his second paragragh is truly remarkable for the wrong reasons. He finds that the federation is a true aggressor yet his description of the federation accurately describes his own regime. It's just that now he's on the receiving end and he wants to do something about it.

Zukan's a scumbag! No wonder he's a head of state! _________________As I was saying, we all have to learn to live with disappointment

I watched this episode yesterday. It's quite clear to see the scene in which Glynnis Barber and Paul Darrow were nearly injured. An explosive charge goes off about one foot away from where Glynnis is standing and you can clearly hear her swear just before the director cuts to the next scene.

Apart from that, I actually enjoyed the episode, particulary the mad hairstyle of Zeonna and the Shakespearean despair of her Dad. The interplay between the characters trapped in Xenon base is also interesting, especially the way Vila makes it clear that he no longer gives a toss. Weaknesses? Why does Servelan have to kill everyone she does business with? And, as someone else has remarked, where did she hide the bomb anyway?

Also, isn't some of the acting from the conference delegtes cringeworthy?_________________This calls for a subtle blend of psychology and extreme violence